Glass negative stereograph showing the Pastry Cook's Union Float taking part in the Trades Procession on 1 May 1901. It is part of the G. H. Myers Collection which consists of 73 photographs taken by Godfrey Henry Myers, an electrician and amateur photographer, in Melbourne during May 1901. 72 of these photographs depict preparations for the celebrations that surrounded Federation; all but one are glass stereographs. This collection represents Myers' one venture into commercial photography. It is significant for its images of the crowds, which do not feature so prominently in commercial photographs. The remaining photograph is a family portrait.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on May 9 1901 was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations.

Description Of Content:

Pastry Cook's Union Float, Trades Procession, Federation Celebration, Melbourne, 11 May 1901. Dressed in white and wearing aprons and hats, the pastry cooks on this horse drawn float are not only working at their craft but cooking as well. A banner says: 'Pastry Cooks Union of Victoria Welcome New Protection' The two mile long Trade Union procession was in part a demonstration in favour of Protectionism and against Free Trade. The unofficial Australian flag being flown overhead is without the large star of the Commonwealth; this was acquired on 3 September 1901. To the left of the image is the Town Hall clock, to the right is a largely empty fee-paying viewing stand. In the background is the German Arch.